Bareilly Air Force Station

Overview

Bareilly Airport (also known as Trishul Air Base) serves the city of Bareilly in the Rohilkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, India. It functions as a domestic airport with flights connecting to major hubs like Delhi and Mumbai, operated primarily by airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet. The airport shares its premises with the Indian Air Force's Bareilly Air Force Station, which means civilian operations are subject to military scheduling. It is a modest facility designed to handle regional passenger traffic, catering to both business travellers and those visiting the surrounding areas, including pilgrim sites and wildlife reserves.

Location & Access

Bareilly Airport is situated approximately 6 kilometres from the city centre, along the Bareilly–Pilibhit Road. It is well connected by road, with taxis and auto-rickshaws readily available from the city's main areas. The journey from Bareilly Junction railway station or the central bus stand takes about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. For those driving, the airport is accessible via National Highway 530 (earlier NH 74). There is no direct rail link to the airport, but several hotels and transport operators offer pre-booked transfers. The airport also serves as a gateway to the Himalayan foothills, with destinations like Nainital (about 120 km away) and Jim Corbett National Park reachable by road via Haldwani.

Facilities

Bareilly Airport provides essential amenities for passenger comfort and accessibility:

• Wheelchair Accessibility: The car park, entrance, and toilets are wheelchair-accessible. Passengers with reduced mobility are advised to inform their airline in advance to coordinate assistance.
• Baggage Storage: A storage service is available for travellers who wish to explore Bareilly during layovers or before check-in.
• Toilets: Clean restrooms with changing tables for families travelling with infants.
• On-Site Services: The terminal houses a small cafeteria and basic retail kiosks for snacks and travel essentials. However, there are no duty-free shops or lounges as the airport sees limited international traffic.

Please note that flight operations are not daily; schedule frequency varies by airline. Peak hours are typically around 1 pm and 2 pm, corresponding to flight timings. The airport is closed on certain days when no flights are scheduled, so check with your airline before travelling.

About the Region

Bareilly is located in the fertile Gangetic plains, bordered by the Shivalik hills to the north. The region, historically known as Rohilkhand, is famous for its traditional crafts, including zardozi embroidery and brassware. The city also produces the famous 'Bareilly ki jhumka' – intricate earrings popular in Indian jewellery. Many travellers pass through Bareilly en route to the Kumaon hills (Nainital, Almora) or to the Buddhist sites of Sarnath and Kushinagar in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Within a short distance, the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve offers a chance to see Bengal tigers and swamp deer. The airport plays a crucial role in connecting this culturally rich but semi-urban area to the national air network.

Practical Information

• Hours: The airport is open only on days with scheduled flights. Operating hours align with flight departures and arrivals, typically opening 2 hours before the first flight. It is closed on days with no service – which can happen several times a week.
• Contact: For general enquiries, call +91 1800 11 0402 (Airports Authority of India toll-free) or visit the official website: www.aai.aero.
• Website: Check the Airports Authority of India website for real-time flight status, schedule updates, and security guidelines.

Given the airport's dual use as an airbase, passengers should allow extra time for security checks. There are no on-site hotels, but several budget accommodations are available within a 2-kilometre radius. For longer waits, the city centre offers more options.